LYNN — Breed Middle School and Callahan Elementary School welcomed week-long workshops from artists Towana Wright and Helen Patmon through a partnership between Galleries at LynnArts and Lynn Public Schools.
On Thursday morning, Wright was at Breed Middle School, her alma mater, teaching students about the work of Black artists like Jacob Lawrence and Faith Ringgold.
Wright said she taught herself how to be an artist three years ago, and hasn’t stopped creating since.
“I’m just honored to be here and to celebrate artists from the Harlem Renaissance for Black History Month here at Breed,” Wright said.
During the workshop, which was funded by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, Wright enlightened the students with interactive presentations, demonstrations, and discussions about her own creative process and journey, while collaborating with the students on their own art.
“Having Ms. Wright here has been amazing. She’s really helpful and really inspiring,” Renice Cooper, an art teacher at Breed, said. “I really enjoyed having a Black artist who’s knowledgeable about Black art talking to the kids for Black History Month.”
Two students talked about their experiences participating in the workshop and creating their own art.
“I like to draw, and it’s pretty fun to draw,” sixth-grade student Eliezer Perez said.
“It was fun working together as a class, and it was just fun overall,” sixth-grade student Jasenie Nunez said.
Patty Klibansky, the curriculum director of art, theater, and dance for Lynn Public Schools, said that she thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and watching the students create.
“I’m excited as the arts director to be here and to witness first-hand the transformative impact of art on our students. It fosters creativity, empathy, and a great sense of pride in their artwork and art-making,” Klibansky said. “With the guidance of our visiting artists this week, they’re not only celebrating Black History Month, but also embarking on self-discovery and cultural exploration through their art.”
On March 1, the students start Youth Art Month, in which Klibansky said they will continue to widen their imaginations and participate in the arts to express themselves.
